<div class="layout_main" style="background-color: #ffffff;border: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.12);border-radius: 3px 3px 3px 3px;margin-bottom: 1.5em;padding: 1.5em;">
  <h1 style="text-align: center"><?php echo $this->translate("Overview")?></h1>
<img width="700" alt="" class="text-img" src="https://www.goturkey.com/uploads/2bdbb791026e8d5ba46d71d6392ccac4.png">
<br clear="all">
<br clear="all">
<h1><?php echo $this->translate("About Turkey")?></h1>
<div id="content">
  <article class="slide readmore-js-section">
    <img width="100" height="100" style="float:left; margin:5px;" src="https://www.goturkey.com/uploads/df5cb8f9d00faf3fd18abb6bac96a419.jpg">
    <p>&nbsp;</p>
    <p><span lang="EN"><strong>Turkey:</strong> the cradle of cultures and civilizations connecting Europe and Asia and capital of civilizations that have reined the lands of Anatolia for centuries</span></p>
    <p><span lang="EN-US">Since the beginning of history, Anatolia, well known as one the earliest settlements, has continued to flourish with the migration of various tribes, and accumulated a large cultural heritage through a line of succeeding empires and civilizations. Many empires ranging from the Sumerians to the Hittites, the Lydians to the Byzantines and the Seljuks to the Ottomans have once thrived and expired within the borders of Turkey.</span></p>
    <p><span lang="EN-US">Ankara is the capital of Turkey, which established a democratic regime with the foundation of the Turkish Republic in 1923. </span><span lang="EN">The Bosporus and the Dardanelles, connecting the seas of this magnificent landscape surrounded by the Black Sea, the</span><span lang="EN"> Mediterranean, Aegean and Marmara seas, function as bridges connecting the lands of the region almost like silk threads. </span></p>
    <p><span lang="EN">Greece and Bulgaria to</span><span lang="EN"> the west, Georgia, Armenia and Azerbaijan to the east and Iran, Iraq, and Syria to the south are the border neighbors of Turkey. The member of various international organizations such as the United Nations, the Council of Europe, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, the Black Sea Economic Cooperation Organization and the Organization of the Islamic Conference our country continuous to evolve and grow at rapid speed.</span></p>
    <p><span lang="EN-US">Proud to possess numerous riches in every corner and territory of the country from east to west and north to south, Turkey is blessed also with a wide range of climatic diversity. One may encounter different climate zones in different areas of Turkey which is comprised of seven geographical regions and experience various climates in one day!&nbsp; &nbsp;</span></p>
    <p><span lang="EN-US">Özellikle doğa sporları dâhil tüm spor dallarının keyifle ve oldukça etkileyici manzaralar eşliğinde yapılabilmesi, burada geçirdiğiniz zamanlar boyunca sizleri adrenalinin doruklarına çıkaracak.</span></p>
    <p><span lang="EN-US">Turkey is much the same as an open air museum thanks to its magnificent heritage comprised of historical and cultural monuments and sites built everywhere in Anatolia since the ancient times. W</span><span lang="EN">ith the establishment Çatalhöyük, the first proto-city settlement of the Neolithic Age</span><span lang="EN">, history began to leave its marks discernible today even in the tiniest structures.</span></p>
    <p><span lang="EN">Located at the mid-point of the European</span><span lang="EN">, Asian and African continents, Turkey has a varied geography rich in mountains, plains, caves, seas and many other natural formations and beauties. All types of sports activities and more specifically outdoor sports can be done amidst a breathtaking nature providing both for adrenaline and entertainment.</span></p>
    <p><span lang="EN">The hub of all religions that have been lost in time or still exist, Anatolia is particularly rich in monuments and heritages bearing traces of diverse religious cultures. According to</span><span lang="EN"> Christianity, for instance, pilgrims travelling the route of the seven holy churches including Ephesus, Izmir, Bergama, Salihli, Alasehir, Denizli and Akhisar are considered to have fulfilled their duty of pilgrimage.</span></p>
    <p><span lang="EN">Furthermore, many branches of art that originated in the Anatolian lands and were introduced to the world are still kept alive and continue to be developed in the present day.</span></p>
    <p><span lang="EN">One of the</span><span lang="EN"> most precious and diverse treasures of Turkey is, of course, the Turkish cuisine. The variety offered by this magnificent heritage of flavors which evolved over the centuries with the blending of the culinary cultures of many communities and civilizations is limitless. &nbsp;Thousands of unique delicacies and specialties ranging from meat dishes to cold dishes with olive oil, from sorbets to spices are waiting to be served to guests from all over the world.</span></p>
    <p><span lang="EN-US">Entertaining </span><span lang="EN">and lively folk dances and songs, which originated from the combination of the local culture with music and dance, provide for unique local entertainment in every province you visit. </span></p>
    <p><span lang="EN">Thanks to</span><span lang="EN"> its geographical position located at the meeting point of three continents, Turkey is able to offer fast and convenient transportation with more than 200 direct flights to various destinations in the world and connecting flights to all other destinations around the globe. <br> <br> It is also possible to explore different corners of Turkey by entering the country via highway through neighboring countries located in Asia and Europe.</span></p>
    <p><span lang="EN">Worldwide famous cruise ships visit the major ports of Turkey on their route. Passengers of these cruise ships have the opportunity to visit and explore the port and city centre of Istanbul, Izmir and</span><span lang="EN"> Kusadasi. Ferries between Northern Cyprus and Mersin and between Bodrum, Marmaris and the Greek islands provide for other alternatives to get to Turkey from other lands.</span></p>
    <p><span lang="EN">Turkey, well known particularly for its hospitality and friendliness, welcomes its visitors any time of the year offering a spectacular</span><span lang="EN"> countryside and unique monuments all over the land! </span><span lang="EN-US">You may already enjoy your vacation in Turkey!</span></p>
    <p>&nbsp;</p>
  </article>
</div>